New Bull

Dave heads east with the latest Chieftain …

- David Cohen

The Indian Chieftain’s 2019 incarnation is more of an evolution than a revolution in the model’s timeline, but the upgrades are still noteworthy, and they add even more appeal to a bike that all of us at HEAVY DUTY have always rated highly.

They take the improvements made over previous models – like the inclusion of the outstanding dash-mounted infotainment system and 19in front wheel – and marry them with improved aesthetics, bodywork, comfort, rear cylinder shutoff and the ability to select three different ride modes – on the fly.

I had a chance to spend saddle time on both an ’18 and a ’19 Chieftain Limited model during the Indian Motorcycle Ride Group’s (IMRG) Queens Birthday rally on the Gold Coast.

It was a unique opportunity to hop between both models in quick succession and directly compare them.

BODY BUILDING

The first and most obvious change is the fairing style and shape although the riders view from behind is very similar.

The dash mounted ‘Ride Command’ infotainment still nestles between two round dials that carry an array of analogue and LCD displays for speedo, tacho, gear indicator, fuel gauge and warning lights. The sound system is very far removed from the earliest incarnations of the Chieftain. It is loud, clear and it really (really!) pumps. Bluetooth phone connection was simple and there is a handy compartment in the top of the dash to stow your device – complete with power source. The whole system is very easy to use.